Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he has “nothing to apologise for” after missing a penalty during Portugal’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.
The Al-Nassr forward saw his 75th-minute effort from the spot saved by Caoimhin Kelleher, before Ruben Neves struck a dramatic 91st-minute winner to secure Portugal’s third straight victory in Group A.
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Ronaldo, who remains level with Carlos Ruiz on 39 World Cup qualifying goals, was visibly distraught after the miss but played the full 90 minutes. One more goal would move him clear in the all-time qualification charts.
Despite the miss, the 40-year-old remains untouchable in his homeland, with 141 international goals in 224 appearances for Portugal.
Renato Veiga defended the national icon after the game, saying: “Cristiano doesn’t have to apologise for anything. For everything he’s done for Portugal and Portuguese football, for what he still does, and for the great performance he put in.”
Veiga added that Portugal remain focused on qualification before dreaming of glory in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer. “Of course, with this victory, Portugal is closer to the World Cup. We must be very humble and take it game by game,” he said.
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Joao Felix also backed Ronaldo’s World Cup dream, telling TNT Sports: “He dreams of winning the World Cup, we will do everything we can to give him that prize. I think it is the only one he is missing.”
Portugal next face Hungary on Tuesday at Estadio Jose Alvalade, where Ronaldo is again expected to feature prominently.